Florida Legionnaires’ Outbreak Linked to Gym Exposure
MIAMI – A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Florida has been traced to exposure at an LA Fitness gym in Duval County, state health officials announced this week. As of December 6,2025,the Florida Department of Health has confirmed at least 11 cases linked to the gym,with investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of the outbreak.
Legionnaires’ disease,a severe form of pneumonia,is caused by Legionella bacteria. While not contagious, it’s contracted by breathing in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. Common sources include cooling towers, water systems, and plumbing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),about one out of every 10 people who get sick with Legionnaires’ disease dies from complications. The risk is higher for those hospitalized with the disease – approximately 1 out of every 4 will die.
Individuals at increased risk include current or former smokers, those 50 years or older, and people with underlying health conditions such as cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure, or a weakened immune system. CDC data indicates higher incidence rates among Black people, males, older adults, and in the Northeast and Midwest regions, particularly during the summer and fall months.
Nationally, the United States has seen legionellosis rates increase ninefold as 2000, peaking in 2018 before a temporary dip during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Cases rebounded in 2021 and continue to rise. Between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ each year in the U.S.
The Florida Department of Health is working with LA Fitness to remediate the source of the bacteria and prevent further exposure. The gym has temporarily closed sections potentially linked to the outbreak for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Health officials advise anyone who visited the LA Fitness location in Duval County and developed symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease – including cough,shortness of breath,fever,muscle aches,and headaches - to seek medical attention immediately and inform their healthcare provider of potential exposure.
Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the increasing incidence of Legionnaires’ disease, as warmer temperatures and increased humidity promote bacterial growth in cooling systems.
